The trial overseen by Judge Michelle Sisco took a sharp turn this week as she criticized the defense in the murder case of rapper Julio Foolio (real name Charles Jones) as “inexcusable.”
The defendant, Alicia Andrews, faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, and she is the first of five individuals charged in connection with the killing. Andrews’ trial centers around Jones’ death, which occurred in June of last year outside the Holiday Inn Tampa North parking lot.
At issue this week was the defense team’s invocation of the sequestration rule—a court mandate that prohibits witnesses from receiving outside information about the case or discussing it among themselves. Prosecutors questioned whether the defense had only informed a single witness of the rule. Upon confirming this, the judge responded: “The failure of the defense to tell their own witnesses not to talk about the case is inexcusable, and that’s a matter of record.”
Prosecutors allege that Andrews traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa with co-defendants linked to rival gangs, tailed Jones and aided the gunmen by providing his location. Meanwhile, Andrews’ attorney maintains she was simply on a trip with her boyfriend and had no connection to the shooting or the gang affiliates, arguing there is no physical evidence tying her to the crime.
Tensions widened further when defense attorney Erian White raised concerns about the prosecutor’s behavior, calling it “unprofessional” and “disrespectful.” He said: “We are professionals, just like every other attorney in this courtroom. The bigger point that I was making is that the way that Mr. Harmon has been speaking to this side of the table is unprofessional, it’s disrespectful… The rise in tone is unnecessary, and it’s disrespectful, and it’s inappropriate.”
The trial of Alicia Andrews continues, while separate proceedings for her co-defendants remain scheduled for next year.